Courtesy Circus Smirkus
Circus Smirkus, an international youth circus, returns to the outdoor soccer field at the Saratoga Casino Hotel for four performances this summer.
It is a fundraiser for the Waldorf School on York Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
The event on July 11 and 12 is part of the circus’ 30th anniversary “big top tour.” Performances are scheduled for 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. each day. Tickets are $25 for adults 13 and older and $20 for children 2-12. Children younger than 2 are free on an adult’s lap.
This year’s tour continues the tradition of Smirkus theme-based shows. This year it is “Midnight at the Museum.” It creates the excitement of an adventure through the hallowed halls of a magical museum. Attendees “will embark on an enchanted journey with astonishing aerialists, courageous clowns, and wily wire walkers as they explore a museum that springs to life when the clock strikes midnight,” circus officials said in a news release.
It features 30 budding circus stars ages 12 to 18 from 13 states—California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Virginia, Vermont, and Washington—as well as Canada and Zambia.
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs first brought Circus Smirkus to Saratoga in 2007 as a fundraising and outreach event.
“We have valued our partnership with Circus Smirkus over the past 11 years and can’t wait to present this year’s 30th anniversary production to the community,” said Anne Maguire, school administrator. “In addition to being an amazing event, it’s a wonderful way for our school to give back. Through our ‘magic matinee’ program we donate tickets to local nonprofits that serve underprivileged families so they can attend the circus too.”
Matt Kopans, director of community outreach and development for the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs, said “we love bringing Circus Smirkus to the area for the entire community to enjoy.”
Circus Smirkus is a nonprofit international youth circus founded with the mission of promoting the skills, culture and traditions of the traveling circus and inspiring youth to engage in life-changing adventures in the circus arts. Its big-top tent is a 24-meter, 750 seat, one-ring tent in the European style. The Vermont-based organization has raised over $2.5 million for non-profit partners, officials said.
Currently entering its 34th year of operation, the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs educates children from pre-school through the 12th grade. For more information, visit www.WaldorfSaratoga.org.
Tickets for Circus Smirkus are available by calling 1-877-SMIRKUS toll-free or visiting www.smirkus.org. Tickets are also available at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 69 Caroline St., and at G. Willikers at 461 Broadway.